Quiz of the day

Can you read what the clouds are telling you?

Eight sky-reading questions turn familiar shapes into useful weather science.

22 August · 8 questions · 5 min

Cloud names are not a secret language for experts. They describe height, shape and development. Choose the best answer, then use the explanation the next time you look up.

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1. What two features are central to the standard classification of ordinary clouds?

Height and appearance Day of the week and wind name Colour and distance from the nearest city

2. In a cloud name, what does the root “cirro-” usually indicate?

A high-level cloud A thunderstorm touching the ground A cloud made only of smoke

3. What shape does the root “strato-” suggest?

A broad layer or sheet A narrow spinning funnel A heap with strong vertical growth

4. A tall cloud grows rapidly and spreads into an anvil-shaped top. What is the safest interpretation?

It is a sign of a mature cumulonimbus thunderstorm It proves the weather will stay dry It is always harmless high cirrus

5. What is fog in cloud terms?

A cloud at or very near the ground A high cloud falling toward Earth Water vapour that cannot contain droplets

6. Why can the base of a thick cloud look dark from below?

The thick cloud blocks and scatters much of the sunlight above it All dark clouds are made of pollution Darkness proves a tornado is forming

7. Why should a dramatic low cloud under a storm not be identified from one still photo alone?

Shelf, wall and ragged scud clouds can look similar while motion and storm position differ Clouds have no recognised forms Every low cloud produces a tornado

8. You see the same cloud type on several afternoons. What can you honestly conclude about climate?

Almost nothing by itself; climate is a long-term pattern, not a few observations The local climate has definitely changed Cloud type and climate are unrelated in every way

Can you read what the clouds are telling you?

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